/usr/web/www.marshallindependent.com/wp-content/themes/coreV2/single.php
×

‘Oh my gosh’

RTR graduates to enter the ‘big world out there’

Photo by Holland Netzley A total of 43 Russell-Tyler-Ruthton High School students receive diplomas on Sunday.

TYLER — It was a perfect weather day for the graduation ceremony at Russell-Tyler-Ruthton High School on Sunday afternoon. A total of 43 students graduated as the Class of 2023, and there were tears of joy and sadness, hugs, handshakes and cheers among all the emotions on this day.

The class motto that was contributed by Ainsley Novak was simple: “Oh my gosh. We are about to enter the real world — it’s a big world out there.”

Class valedictorian Katelyn Welgraven spoke about what they have accomplished the last 12 years, and moving on to the next phase of their lives.

“All my lasts made me realize how much people take time for granted because they don’t think it will go by fast,” she said.

Salutatorian Morgan Brust spoke to the audience about saying goodbye to her class, but being a teenager for as long as you can.

“As much as many of us want to get out of a small town, it is going to be hard. But whatever you do, be sure to enjoy yourself,” she said.

“Our senior year was great, but I am also looking forward to moving on,” said Matt Weber, student body president. “We had the best possible end to our year, winning the state championship in basketball. It is now time to move on to bigger and better things.”

“We built this school two years ago, and at the time, it seemed like no big deal. But we got so many new teachers and different classes, and it was great to be in one facility. That way, we got to interact with both younger and older kids. It makes us feel like one big family,” class president Alexis Schreurs said.

RTR Superintendent Dave Marlette had glowing remarks for this class.

“They are all special, but this class was outstanding in all that they accomplished. Whenever a class like this moves on, you hate to lose them. And yet you are excited about watching what they are doing in the future,” he said.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today